In Pictures: Huge show of appreciation in Glenties for Nurse Michelle Cunningham

The Glenties community were joined by people from across south and south-west Donegal in wishing public health nurse Michelle Cunningham all the best in her retirement. Click on the arrows to see Ciara Meehan's photos of a wonderful morning:

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A very well-attended gathering took place in the Highlands Hotel where Michelle was joined by colleagues, patients, family and friends who wished to show their appreciation for this much-loved and highly regarded  nurse.

Michelle was deeply moved by the event. 

She told Donegal Live: “I wish to thank the Glenties community for 30 fantastic years of working with them, and for how nice they were in welcoming me into their homes. 

“And thank you to the people of Doochary, Leitir and Fintown where it all started for me.”

Cllr Brian Carr posted a tribute to social media, summing up the good will towards Michelle.

“The sun was shining brightly for Michelle Cunningham this morning as hundreds gathered at the Highlands Hotel in Glenties to celebrate and thank her for 30 years of dedicated service as the local Public Health Nurse,” he said. 

“The event drew a large and heartfelt crowd, including nurses, home helps, healthcare assistants past and present, pharmacy and primary care staff, day centre workers, SVP members, and many many local residents, all united in appreciation.

“The room was filled with warmth, gratitude, and stories of kindness. Michelle expressed how many lasting friendships she made during her career, and the feeling was mutual, the community truly felt they had a friend in her.

“Guests enjoyed tea, coffee, and a spread of delicious home baking, generously provided by local community members.”

Michelle’s nursing journey began 43 years ago at Jervis Street Hospital in Dublin. After completing her three years of general nurse training, she returned to work at Letterkenny General Hospital. 

Her career then took her to Altnagelvin Hospital and The Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, where she completed her midwifery training. Michelle returned to Letterkenny as a midwife before going on to study Public Health Nursing at UCD.

She was first assigned to Doochary, Lettermacaward, and Fintown, serving those areas for two and a half years. In 1995, when nurse Rosaleen McNelis retired, Michelle took over the Glenties area - a role she embraced for the next three decades.

“Today, the community gathered to say thanks and wish Michelle the very best as she begins the next chapter of her life,” said Cllr Carr. 

“There were plenty of smiles, a few tears, and one clear message: ‘Thank you, Michelle, and enjoy your well-earned retirement.’”